Shape files actually consist of 4 files, .shx, .dbf, .prj, and the .shp.
All four files must be present for a successful attachment. Save any
shape files to the originating Bureau's/Section's directory.

Shape files are attached to a DGN file as a reference file.

Open MicroStation in the correct project and select the appropriate
dgn for the import.

Open the Reference Files Dialog box and shut off the display of all
reference file except the ali.dgn.

Use Tools>Attach> and browse to the directory you saved the
files and select the .shp file.

Set the attachment method to Coincident World and hit Open.

Creating the MicroStation Elements

First ensure that the shape file came into the correct location.
You can turn on additional detail to confirm the location. Turn
off all other reference files and all levels in the in the current dgn
so that only the shapes are displayed. Note that point elements in shape
files are nearly invisible in MicroStation. Cells can be placed at the
points so they can be seen more clearly. A basic macro pnt2cel
can be run to replace selected points with a selected cell.

Hit fit view, and then use Element Selector to select all the shape
elements.

Use Copy Element and hit on the same point for the first point
and the distance and direction point so the shapes are copied into the
drawing at the same location.

Use the task list to select the Task for the appropriate type of
feature the shapes represent. (i.e. Invasive Species). This
sets all element attributes appropriately.

Next select the Change Element Attributes tool and change the shape
elements Level, Color, Style and Weight to the active attributes.

Detach the .shp reference file and delete the unneeded level from the
drawing. When the shapes were copied in, MS placed them in a level
named the same as the shape file (i.e. KW).